News 06:00

BULLETIN 18 January 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Minister Nzimande denies being influenced in awarding an NSFAS tender
# Universities SA is concerned the proposed student loan policy may strain NSFAS
# And, America re-designates the Houthis as a global terrorist group

# The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, has dismissed allegations of influencing the awarding of a National Student Financial Aid Scheme tender to Vision Wave’s managing director, Tilson Manyoni. Following media reports, the minister clarified that Manyoni is not and has never been his advisor. He sees these allegations as attempts to tarnish his name. Ministry spokesperson Veli Mbele says Nzimande remains committed to a smooth start to the new academic year:

Meanwhile, Universities South Africa has cautioned that the proposed student loan policy may strain the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. The loan will benefit households with annual incomes of between 350-thousand- and 600-thousand-rand. Nzimande’s announcement of loans for the so-called missing middle aims to assist those who can’t afford their studies. Speaking to SABC News, the CEO of Universities SA, Phethiwe Matutu called for scrutiny of the new policy’s sustainability:

# The EFF in Tshwane is urging the DA and ActionSA to place the welfare of workers and the community before political manoeuvring. A city council meeting will sit today to elect ActionSA candidate Nasiphi Moya to the newly created position of deputy mayor. The ANC and EFF have already said they will oppose the move. EFF regional chairperson Obakeng Ramabodu accused the DA-led coalition government of fulfilling personal agendas, adding that a deputy mayor would impose unwarranted strain on a municipal budget already under pressure.

# The families of deceased ANC veterans former minister Collins Chabane and uMkhonto we Sizwe commander Peter Malada have criticised attempts by former president Jacob Zuma’s new party to visit the slain hero’s gravesite in Limpopo. As part of campaigning for the uMkhonto weSizwe party, Zuma’s schedule included visits to the burial sites of the two veterans this weekend. The Collins Chabane Foundation criticised Zuma and his MK party for scouring graves, looking for votes, and resuscitating broken careers. The Peter Dambuza Foundation has called the MK party’s actions mischievous.

# America has re-designated the Iran-backed militant group Houthis as a specially designated global terrorist entity. This move comes amid ongoing attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea by the militant group. White House’s national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, says this designation is an important tool to impede terrorist funding to the Houthis, further restrict their access to financial markets, and hold them accountable for their actions. This designation will come into force in 30 days.

# Rugby: Hooker Jamie George will captain England in the Six Nations after Owen Farrell decided to take a break from the international game. The 33-year-old George made his debut for England in 2015 and has played in 85 Tests since, scoring 65 points. He also played three matches during the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand in 2017. The team starts its campaign against Italy in Rome on the third of next month. Coach Steve Borthwick explains why he chose George:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 19-rand and the euro at 20-rand-71-cents. One British pound costs 24-rand-12-cents and Bitcoin trades at 42-thousand-507-dollars-45-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-and-9-dollars-62-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 78-dollars-5-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….